Kids get full day of class

Beginning next school year, West Perry School District will be switching kindergarten from a half-day to full day program.

The county's three other districts already offer full-day kindergarten, and Greenwood School District offers half-day and full-day kindergartens.

Kindergarten curriculum will be expanded to consume a day that will run from 8 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., said Jeffrey Hughes, assistant superintendent.

Hughes said the district will offer the same courses at its three elementary schools in Carroll Twp., New Bloomfield and Blain.

"Some special courses will be offered," Hughes said, noting the district is trying to offer career awareness and to find time for pupils to spend in computer labs.

A letter on the district's Web site explains that the expanded program "will afford students the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that supports their developmental needs.'

A committee was formed last spring to investigate and plan the program's implementation. The committee consisted of Hughes, district Superintendent Rhonda Brunner, the principals from the three elementary schools and several kindergarten and first grade teachers.

Hughes said the committee researched the proposal through studies and visits to other districts, and sought parental input through surveys and public meetings.

The committee also approached the elementary schools' parent-teachers organizations.

"We wanted to involve parents and get their input on what the West Perry program should look like," Hughes said.

A public meeting took place March 26. The committee said it knew class sizes would remain similar to previous years and that additional staff might be needed but was unsure of bus schedules, specific teacher schedules and the price of breakfast and lunch.

Hughes said those questions should be answered after registration for next year is completed. The district held registration for 2009-10 on April 20-21 at New Bloomfield Elementary.

Hughes said the district doesn't foresee any real problems with the program's implementation. "We want to see where the strengths of the program lie and see where we can improve over a period of time.'

Readers with questions or seeking more information on the program can contact Hughes at 789-3934.